A FTSU Champion is a member of staff in any role who has volunteered and been appointed to work alongside the Freedom to Speak up Guardian to complement the work they do. They are part of a team of champions and are visible to workers across the Trust by their green freedom to speak up lanyard or badge. They carry out the role in addition to their day job but are supported to do so by their managers. They are people who:
- are passionate about helping people to speak up with ideas or concerns to help deliver great care and services
- are good listeners and live our values every day
- want to raise awareness to help people find the right routes to speak up, be heard, and work toewards solutions and improvements
You can contact any Champion from any site. You don't have to choose only those at the same site as you.
They are a resource to provide confidential, independent support, advice and information to any worker who is facing barriers speaking up about patient or staff safety concerns, or ideas for improvement. They can meet you privately for a chat and listen to you. They will help you explore options for action to resolve their concerns and help by directing you to the appropriate person, service, policy, pathway, procedure or helpful intervention.
They don't manage speaking up cases (that is the role of the FTSU Guardian), but they will agree a time to follow up with you and check that the next step you took worked in resolving your concern.
You might feel that your team need some support, information or guidance from the FTSU team so if you see or contact a Champion, they will help to arrange that.
The more FTSU Champions we have the greater our visibility and accessibility for our workers who need support to speak up and feel that their voice counts. We all have daily experiences of all types of speaking up; as a Champion, you will be able to expand the benefits of your own learning and experiences to others, and support and influence a positive speaking up culture. You will also have access to our diverse FTSU team to enhance your personal learning and development.
If you are interested in becoming a Freedom to Speak Up Champion, email Lorraine. She will tell you more about the process which involves:
- completing a short application
- meeting with Lorraine and a current Champion
- FTSU Champion training (2hours, in person)
Freedom to Speak Up Champions – Role Profile
This role profile is designed in line with the National Guardian Office Guidance for developing Freedom to Speak Up Champion and Ambassador networks – 2021 click here: https://
Role Purpose
- To help to empower staff, students, volunteers and other workers at the Trust to speak up safely at work with ideas, concerns, or errors and feel that their voice counts, working together to continuously improve their services and achieve great care
- To support and signpost people who wish to speak up, listening to and communicating with them objectively, and with empathy and compassion
- To support the FTSU Guardian to raise awareness, share information and promote the importance of speaking up and how to speak up effectively using Trust processes and routes.
You will:
- Be compliant with FTSU role-specific training (essential before application)
- Be knowledgeable about key Trust routes for speaking up to signpost people effectively
- Have excellent listening skills
- Be objective and compassionate
- Understand and maintain service user confidentiality
- Live and role model our Trust Values
We will:
- Support you to access training relevant to the role and your development
- Welcome you to the Champions Network and listen to peoples’ speaking up experiences and concerns through you
- Invite you to regular FTSU service Champions meetings, including with the Executive and Non-Executive Lead for FTSU
- Involve you and welcome your ideas for development of the FTSU service
- Invite you to meet quarterly on a 1:1 basis with the FTSU Guardian to maintain and support your abilities to fulfil the role
Champions Network
The network of Champions is made up of workers from within the Trust and aims to be representative of the diversity of roles, backgrounds and protected characteristics of our workforce.
Champions will be present and available for staff at all 3 primary sites of the Trust; Royal Liverpool Hospital, Aintree Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, and ideally within our satellite sites as well.
They will fulfil their role from within their current roles and as such, must have the support of their service manager.
They will operate under the leadership of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.
As the Speak Up Service develops, demand upon the Champions and their activity will be evaluated and adjustments facilitated as necessary.
Champions may opt out of the role at any point if their circumstances change.
Recruitment to the Champions Network will be advertised and formally undertaken.
For more information please click here.
Our current Champion details are below. They are a diverse group from a variety of professional. They tell you about themselves so that you can choose someone you feel comfortable with. You can contact them by email (or phone where indicated).
Pamela Barrett, Healthcare Assistant, Outpatients Department
"I joined the Freedom to Speak Up service as I believe everyone has a voice to be heard. Everyone has a right to speak up about any safety issues or general concerns they may have. I’m a good listener and will guide you through speaking up about your concerns."
Pamela.
Joanne Lackey, Ward Manager, ACCU
"I became a Freedom to Speak up Champion to support the staff across the organisation. I feel privileged to help voices be heard and also support in empowering colleagues to find the right routes to resolve their issues."
Joanne.Lackey@liverpoolft.nhs.uk
Ellah Lungu, Deputy Nurse Manager, Endoscopy
“I became a Champion to help create an environment that is conducive for everyone to be able to speak up and be heard.”
Ellah.
Swetha Radhakrishnan, Nurse, Endoscopy
“I joined the Freedom to Speak Up team to help provide compassionate support for colleagues across the organisation, so that they can continue to deliver great care to their patients.”
Swetha.
Laura Swainbank, Clinical Support Worker, Endoscopy
“I'm very empathetic and approachable. I just want to be able to listen to people’s stories, provide a safe space and offer some guidance.”
laura.swainbank@liverpoolft.nhs.uk
Debbie McGowan, Clinical Office Manager
"I wanted to contribute to the wellbeing of all staff in the NHS. I realised the importance of speaking up and the benefits this has for all involved; from the person with the concern, to those benefitting from the outcome. I’m friendly, approachable and a good listener, helping people feel safe and secure when talking to me.”
Debbie.
June Fowles, Associate Head of Operations, Sefton Suite and Kenilworth Road
“I’m passionate about helping colleagues feel valued and safe. This role allows me to help not only my own immediate team, but all colleagues from across the organisation. I’m approachable and a good listener and hope that this role will really help me to make a difference to staff who feel that they aren’t always listened to or understood.”
June.
George Alackal, HCA, Ward 28
“To me, speaking up when things aren’t right is the right thing to do. I know from experience how much better things can get when you find support to speak up to the right person. Now I want to be able to help others to do the same, so I am proud to join the Freedom to Speak Up Champions and Guardian and support this important work. I work night shifts, and being able to be there for staff to ask for advice overnight is an asset that helps get this support to more staff, when they might normally struggle to find it.”
Neema Singh, Staff Nurse, Discharge Lounge
“I was very timid and frightened about speaking up at work and had no idea that there's lot of help and support available. After contacting Freedom to Speak Up, I felt so much more confident and encouraged to take control of my own situation. This is why I became a Freedom to Speak Up Champion.
“I feel like my role will help colleagues take control of their own situations by guiding them through their journey. I hope to make an impact on someone else's life as using FTSU did on mine.”
Nirmalapaul.
0151 529 4485 / 4487
Kath Werner, Medical Practice Education Facilitator, Aintree
“I have always been interested in people and what’s important to them. I have more than 20 years of experience in the NHS. Listening to patients and to each other with kindness is essential to the wellbeing of all concerned. I want to work in an organisation where patients receive the best possible care and staff can flourish. I’m keen to listen to where you find barriers to this and support you in speaking up. I recognise this can be scary initially, but if I can be of help, please contact me.”
Kathryn.
Our current Champion details are below. They are a diverse group from a variety of professional. They tell you about themselves so that you can choose someone you feel comfortable with. You can contact them by email (or phone where indicated).
Joanna Farmer, Staff Nurse, Ward 4
“I wanted to become a Champion because I believe speaking up helps every member of staff. If a colleague wants to draw attention to something they see as not right, then I feel strongly about assisting in breaking down their barriers to speaking up. I’m a good listener so I would like to invite colleagues to contact me for a chat if they have any concerns. I’m always happy to listen - a problem shared is a problem halved!”
Joanna.farmer@liverpoolft.nhs.uk
Karla Bramhill, Ward Manager
“I have worked in the organisation for 22 years, starting as a volunteer. I then went on to do my nurse training and I’m now a proud Ward Manager. I’m a very caring and empathetic person and I have a natural instinct to want to help people. I joined Freedom to Speak Up as I wanted to use all of my experiences throughout my career to help make a difference, no matter how small.”
Karla.
Anita Nasser, Interim Director of Nursing
“Being a Senior Nurse, as well as a Freedom to Speak Up Champion really means I can make a positive difference. I believe in fairness and equality, and I will always try to make sure that staff that might be struggling can be heard and have a voice.”
Anita.
John Carabini-Jones, Duty Manager/Nurse Practitioner, Out of Hours Team
"I have been employed within the NHS since 1990. In that time the face of healthcare has changed massively; indeed, change is one constant we can rely on with a degree of certainty. Delivering safe healthcare is something I’m passionate about and being able to speak up when things appear wrong is so important. In my role as a Freedom to Speak Up Champion, I will listen up when you speak up and together we will follow up."
John.
Bleep: 4825/4050/4221
Jessy Sabu, Advanced Clinical Practitioner
"Working as a Senior Nurse and an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, I believe that it’s vital for staff to be supported and empowered to provide great patient care and maintain a healthy workforce. By volunteering to be a Freedom to Speak Up Champion, I can work proactively to support our organisation. I expect to expand the benefits of my own learning and experiences to others."
Jane Schorah, Senior Theatre Practitioner
"I believe that everybody who works for the organisation should have a voice, regardless of role and nobody should be exempt from speaking out. I’m approachable and will always take time to listen. I’ll help you get to the right person to sort out your problem. Hopefully, I can be a friendly face to help if needed."
Jane.
Emily McGuffie, Acting Ward Manager, Ward 9
"I chose to become a Freedom to Speak Up Champion as I think everyone should have the confidence to speak up and know that their voice can be heard. Being able to speak up gives people reassurance and helps make them feel valued within the organisation, which ultimately helps us have a happy workforce. Hopefully I will be able to use the knowledge I have gained to support others in accessing the support/advice that they need."
Our current Champion details are below. They are a diverse group from a variety of professional. They tell you about themselves so that you can choose someone you feel comfortable with. You can contact them by email (or phone where indicated).
Helena O'Brien, Post Anaesthetic Care Unit Practitioner
"I started working in the Royal after having moved from another part of the UK. It was quite overwhelming starting a job in a new hospital where I knew no one and I felt quite anxious and apprehensive about speaking up if I had any concerns or ideas. I became a Freedom to Speak Up Champion as I believe we all have a voice, and I enjoy listening to people's stories, opinions and concerns. I’m good listener and listen openly and compassionately. I strongly believe in developing a strong culture where staff and patients feel comfortable in speaking up."
helena.o'brien@liverpoolft.nhs.uk
Rebecca Gibbons, Occupational Therapist
“I decided to apply to be a Freedom to Speak Up Champion because I feel that the role fits with my values. I have worked in this organisation for over 18 years as an Occupational Therapist and I’m currently on the Acute Intervention Team. I’m approachable, open and honest and I enjoy listening to and understanding other people’s thoughts and perspectives. I believe that a problem shared is a problem halved, and I understand the importance of feeling listened to. I’m willing to listen and help to guide anyone, in the hope to help move things forward in a positive way.”
Rebecca.
Christopher Holmes, Physiotherapist
“I joined the Freedom to Speak Up team as I want to be able to positively influence my colleagues to enhance the great care we deliver. By providing a platform and opportunity for colleagues to raise issues or concerns, listening to them and assisting in developing an action plan to resolve the situation, great care will continue and colleagues will feel safer and more fulfilled in the work they carry out.”
Christopher.
Kerry Frood, Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist
"I wanted to become a Freedom to Speak Up Champion because I wanted to help give people a voice. No matter what your job title, everybody should be heard. We all have a part to play in a patient’s journey and we are all responsible for their safety and care. It’s also important that staff are happy and comfortable in their jobs and that they are treated with dignity and respect. As a Freedom to Speak Up Champion, I will always make myself available to listen to your concerns. I’m approachable, kind, friendly and a good listener. Together we can ensure that patient care is the best that it can be and that our organisation is a safe and caring place to work."
Kerry.
Ruth Smallman, Renal Flow Coordinator, Wards 7B and 7C
“I wanted to become a Champion as I believe that everyone should have a voice and be listened to. I feel that speaking up provides a platform that enables the organisation to develop and improve our working lives. I believe that nobody should worry about raising concerns because we can guide them to support/advice and be a voice on their behalf."
Ruth.
Kirsten Morris, Lead Clinical Nurse Educator, Palliative Care
“Within healthcare education I think it is invaluable to provide all levels of staff the opportunity not just to have their say, but to be truly heard and listened too. I’m really passionate about helping my colleagues feel appreciated, listened to and empowered within their roles. I’m very approachable and a great listener. I will always have an open door (with a brew) for anyone who needs support or just as equally anyone who wants to sing from the top floor, on either site how proud they are of the teams they work in. I work across sites, so I can be anywhere and everywhere!”
Zainab Malik, Trainee HCA, A&E
“I believe in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. I'm here to listen, support, and help make our workplace even better, whether you have ideas, feedback, or just need someone to talk to.
“If we don’t know about something, we can’t fix it. It’s so important to me that every colleague feels confident speaking up without fear of any negative repercussions. That’s why I volunteered to be a champion. When concerns are raised, we can look at the facts, provide feedback, and learn from them. This helps us create real, lasting improvements that make a difference for our organisation, our staff and most importantly our patients.
“Feel free to chat with me anytime or drop me an email. Let’s keep the positivity and open communication flowing!”
Zainab.
Jo Marinas, Head of Professional Practice
"It’s important to have a voice and it’s more important to be heard. I have taken up the role of Freedom to Speak Up Champion to be a listening ear and to be the amplifier of voices who want to be heard.“
Joselito.
0151 706 4697
Alice Wood, HR Business Partner
“I have worked in a few different roles in the organisation, mainly in HR. I wanted to become a Freedom to Speak Up Champion because I believe that the staff are the voice of the organisation, and I feel it vitally important that they feel able to speak up. Tackling difficulties immediately or supporting ideas for improvement is a great way to build a culture that empowers staff and provides the best care to our communities. I see far too often the consequences when this isn’t done, and this can be so easily rectified and I would like to encourage all staff to speak up!”
Carrie Lowthian, Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse
"I feel that being a Lead Cancer Nurse and a Freedom to Speak Up Champion helps me to have a positive impact on the lives of our staff. This, in turn, ultimately translates into great care of our patients. I believe that everyone has a right to a voice and if I can help make things easier for those staff who feel they have no one to talk to then I am proud to be able to help.
“I firmly believe that to provide good quality patient care, our staff must also feel empowered and supported in their jobs. I believe in compassionate leadership and within that having the chance to speak up when you see something you feel is wrong or could be better. I have a passion for staff wellbeing and by volunteering to be a Champion, I can further support and coach and help staff deal with difficult issues they may be facing."
Carrie.
Margie Rogers, Team Leader, Emergency Services
"I’ve always tried to support my peers in speaking up when they feel things are 'just not right'. I believe patient and staff safety is paramount within our organisation; people should never be afraid to raise issues. For a number of years, I worked as a union representative and was Vice Staff Side Chair. I have a great wealth of knowledge on policy and process. I have excellent listening skills and believe communication is key to make positive, constructive changes. A listening ear is sometimes all it takes to make staff feel integral to our values.”
Margaret.
Virginia Mitchell, Staff Nurse, Renal Transplant
“Having been a nurse for over 40 years, I’m passionate about my role and not afraid to speak up and support colleagues. I’m an approachable person, so being a Champion is a perfect role for me. I’m available on weekends if you need a chat!”
Virginia.
Angie Carroll, Assistant Director of Nursing, Surgery
“An open culture helps people to speak up and supports people in feeling respected, included, valued, and helps to cultivate a healthy workplace. People should have a voice, be heard, and feel valued, after all this underpins the values of our organisation.
“I feel privileged to be able to support our staff and contribute to the wellbeing of the workforce. I’m passionate about our staff having the freedom to speak up and feel they are being listened to and supported to make a difference.”
Angie.
Heather Eadie, Ward Manager, AMU
“As a Ward Manager, my goals are to support and empower my staff. I'm passionate about the way that we speak to staff and the impact that this has; I believe that it impacts on their wellbeing and in turn the care they provide patients. I know the importance of patient and staff safety and I became a Freedom to Speak up Champion to become a voice to help anyone where I can.”
Heather.
Emma Weaver, Senior Nurse, Patient Flow Team
“I want to be part of a positive culture that supports people to speak up knowing that their voice will be heard.”
Emma.
0151 706 2400
Leo Khoo, Consultant, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine
"Ever since I was appointed as a consultant, I maintained my special interest in quality improvement to promote patient safety and staff wellbeing culture. I strongly believe that staff should be empowered to speak out on any concerns and also to raise ideas that will improve patient and staff experience within the organisation. It’s an absolute honour to be a Freedom to Speak Up Champion."
Leo.
Michelle Lasmarias, Senior Practice Education Facilitator
“I have always valued the importance of having an environment where staff feel safe and empowered to have honest conversations and to communicate their concerns without judgement and intimidation. My previous role as a Ward Manager of the Tropical Infectious Diseases Unit has given me extensive experience in supporting both new and established colleagues as they generally share their concerns during one-to-one meetings.
“I believe I can provide useful resources and information so that colleagues can have a better understanding of their concerns and the options available to resolve them. It consistently gives me happiness whenever I get to see staff that I looked after not only pull through their issues but also progress in their career.”
Michelle.
Ipshita Banerjee, AMU Trust Grade
"I have a passion for empowering staff to speak up and be heard...almost as much as much as my passion for bandanas! Please don’t hesitate to wave me down if/when you see me, no query is too small or too big - it's what I’m here for!"
Ipshita.
Adele Taylor, Unit Manager, Theatres
"I like to make a difference, and I feel that by listening in an objective and compassionate way to concerns or worries I’m helping my colleagues, peers, and patients."
Adele.
Julie Patrick-Heselton, Matron, Critical Care
"I became a Champion because I strongly believe in creating a culture whereby staff feel safe to speak up in confidence, with assurance they will be actively listened to and offered support and guidance. Staff should feel they have a voice. This in turn, improves patient care and outcomes and creates a healthy, open and honest working culture, in line with our organisational values. I’m approachable and friendly and believe I can make a difference as a Freedom to Speak Up Champion."
Julie.
Ivan Obien, Deputy AMU Manager, Royal
“Working in a fast-paced environment like the Acute Medicine Assessment Unit, I do feel like sometimes we are too focused on the job, and we tend to lose sight in listening to our colleagues. As a Freedom to Speak Up Champion, my end goal is to make sure my colleagues are well looked after and that their voices are heard whenever they have a concern.
“I want to nurture a positive working environment by promoting open communication between colleagues and by empowering them to have confidence in speaking up whenever they feel like something is not right."
Our current Champion details are below. They are a diverse group from a variety of professional. They tell you about themselves so that you can choose someone you feel comfortable with. You can contact them by email (or phone where indicated).
John Corcoran, Associate Practitioner, Transfusion
“I have worked in the organisation for over 12 years, starting off as an Medical Laboratory Assistant in the Specimen Reception. I have worked my way up to my current post of Associate Practitioner in the Transfusion Laboratory. I've helped people when they have had an issue or problem so becoming a Champion just made sense to me. Not everyone feels like they can speak up about things that may be bothering them, but hopefully by pointing them in the right direction to go, I can give then the confidence to speak up. If you see me around, please stop me if you have an issue or email me.”
John.
Our current Champion details are below. They are a diverse group from a variety of professional. They tell you about themselves so that you can choose someone you feel comfortable with. You can contact them by email (or phone where indicated).
Agi Thompson, Project Office Administrator
“I became a Champion to support colleagues who have any concerns about their workplace. I like working with people, so being part of a group of people who can help to direct colleagues to the right routes to address their concerns was appealing to me. I'm interested in research and learning new things and I will bring that curiosity when I'm listening to you in this role.”
Agi.thompson@liverpoolft.nhs.uk
Mark McKenna, Delivery Program Senior Manager, Finance, MIAA
“I’m joining the Freedom to Speak Up network, as I believe that everybody should have a safe space to go to discuss concerns, whatever the nature of those concerns may be.
“If people feel safe and happy in the workplace, this will then grow amongst the team to create a positive environment which can only benefit patient care. Balancing work life with home can be difficult, and it’s not always easy to openly discuss issues in work.
“We spend so much time in work that being part of a positive work-based culture is something that is important to us all. I come with an open approach. I’m an attentive listener and I also have various work-based experiences which I can draw upon to help support you make the right decision or just even be a sounding board.”
Mark.Mckenna@miaa.nhs.uk
Jacqui Hale, Project Manager, MIAA
“I wanted to become a Freedom to Speak Up Champion because I believe that staff are the voice of our organisation, and I think that it's really important they feel able to speak up. Dealing head-on with difficult situations immediately or supporting ideas for improvement is a great way to build a culture that empowers staff and provides the best care to our patients and colleagues. I’m friendly, approachable and a good listener, helping people feel safe and secure when talking to me and I want to work in an open and honest environment where people are heard and are able to grow.”
jacqueline.hale@miaa.nhs.uk
07824 19110
Janet Tallon, Senior Corporate Services Business Partner, MIAA
“I’m passionate about people having the ability and freedom to speak up when they need to, but also to feel supported and listened too if they are facing a tricky situation.
“Having staff who feel empowered and supported is pivotal to the organisation, which in turn provides great care to our patients and helps maintain a healthy workforce. I have wealth of knowledge and experience in policy and process, have excellent listening skills and know the importance of listening to staff without prejudice and maintaining the strictest confidence regarding sensitive issues. As a Freedom to Speak Up Champion I will be available as a point of contact for all staff and will use my knowledge and experience to support them when they need me.”
Janet.tallon@miaa.nhs.uk
07824334678
Our current Champion details are below. They are a diverse group from a variety of professional. They tell you about themselves so that you can choose someone you feel comfortable with. You can contact them by email (or phone where indicated).
Kirsten Morris, Lead Clinical Nurse Educator, Palliative Care
“Within healthcare education I think it is invaluable to provide all levels of staff the opportunity not just to have their say, but to be truly heard and listened too. I’m really passionate about helping my colleagues feel appreciated, listened to and empowered within their roles. I’m very approachable and a great listener. I will always have an open door (with a brew) for anyone who needs support or just as equally anyone who wants to sing from the top floor, on either site how proud they are of the teams they work in. I work across sites, so I can be anywhere and everywhere!”
Lydia Beattie, Organisational Development Advisor
"My role focusses a lot on creating a culture of empowerment and I personally want to do all I can to make our organisation a great place to work. This led me to become a Freedom to Speak Up Champion as I feel it’s so important to create a safe space where everyone is able to speak up about any issues they may have and be listened to.
“When we feel happy and safe in work it ultimately leads to better patient care, and safety should always be our priority as an organisation. I’m a friendly face, a good listener and an avid believer that no question is silly and that you should feel free to speak up about anything at all."
Lydia.
Craig Jones, Head of Estates Services
"I volunteered to become a Freedom to Speak Up Champion as I recognise the positive contribution the service can have on the culture of this organisation. Given the size of the Trust, I recognise that at times things can feel overwhelming and I’m keen to support colleagues access the Freedom to Speak Up service."
Craig.
Rachel Lavelle, Junior Business Partner, Culture Change
"We all have a voice and should never be afraid to use it. My role in the Organisational Development team means I’m hugely passionate about making sure our organisation is a great place to learn and work, and speaking up is an integral part of that. Being able to support people to speak up at work, and feel seen and heard, is something I really care about.
"I promise to always listen in a fair, equitable and caring way, supporting you when you speak up, and making sure you feel safe, valued and supported."
Rachel.
Raajasi Hurzurbazar, Physiotherapist (NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE)
"I’m a caring and compassionate individual who keeps the wellbeing of patients and colleagues in the forefront of my mind at all times. I’m a good listener and will always listen to patient needs and attend to them as best as I can. I also listen to my colleagues to allow them to feel comfortable and be in a pleasant environment at all times. During my time working as physiotherapist, I have faced challenging and stressful situations that I believe have helped me to be able to communicate with empathy."
Raajasi.
Laura Grugel, Physiotherapist
"I’m a compassionate person and the care and wellbeing of patients and fellow colleagues is always my priority. I’m open and empathetic and I became a Freedom to Speak Up Champion to help empower colleagues to come to me in confidence to ensure patient and staff are safe and well cared for at work."
Laura.
Karina Eleady-Cole, Rotational Physiotherapist
“When I first joined the organisation, I entered into the preceptorship programme where I was introduced to the Freedom to Speak up Team. I felt there was an opportunity in the team’s champion role for newly qualified members of staff, so I joined. I hope to raise awareness of Freedom to Speak Up and encourage others to speak up, by providing a warm and friendly welcome and someone that they may be able to identify with. I may not bring as much experience as others but if anything, I can bring a smile.”
karina.